Five Types of Foods that Protect Your Skin from the Sun

As the summer months approach with their hot sunny days, it's especially important to think about protecting your skin. While there is no substitute for sunscreen (I wear SPF 50!), there are some foods that can help protect your skin from the sun, which could help to decrease your risk of skin cancer and wrinkles! Try adding some of these foods to...

…your summer diet.

Tomatoes and Watermelon. Both of these refreshing foods are conveniently in-season in the summertime, and they contain the antioxidant lycopene, which studies have associated with a decreased risk of skin cancer. Research shows that eating lycopene-containing foods regularly can increase your skin’s protection from the sun by 33 percent! Enjoy these cool fruits straight from your local farmer’s market.

Salmon. This fish is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties that are not only good for your heart, but also great for protecting your skin. Research shows that omega-3 fatty acids are also helpful in fighting off free radicals in the body, which can occur as a result of overexposure to U.V. rays. This could help cut your melanoma risk in half! So throw some salmon on the grill tonight (try these tasty salmon recipes!).

Carrots and Sweet Potatoes. These orange-colored veggies have nutrients in them called carotenoids that actually build up in the skin when you eat them, offering increased protection from sun damage. Bring baby carrots to the pool or beach for a healthy snack and enjoy a baked sweet potato for lunch.

Dark chocolate. I love every excuse I can find to eat dark chocolate, and now I have one more. Studies show that cocoa can make the skin 25% less sensitive to the sun. Just be sure to choose dark chocolate with a high percentage of cocoa (at least 60-70%). S’mores, anyone?

Iced Tea. It’s important to stay hydrated in the summer heat, so why not chose a beverage that also offers some protection from the sun? Research shows that drinking at least one cup of white, black or green tea per day can lower the risk of certain types of skin cancer by 30%. Brew your own and then ice it down for the most benefits.

So this summer, slather on the sunscreen and eat sun protecting foods to get a truly healthy glow.